MOTOGP AND RIDERS SEEK COMPROMISE OVER QATAR GRAND PRIX

MotoGP riders are expected to discuss the Qatar Grand Prix again as uncertainty grows over whether the rescheduled race can safely go ahead amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

The event was originally scheduled for April, but was moved to 6–8 November after war involving the United States and Iran broke out in February. MotoGP and Qatar have continued to say the race can proceed. However, riders have raised concerns about travelling to Lusail, and reports indicate that their position may depend on receiving clear safety assurances, including an evacuation plan.

The championship’s commercial rights holder, MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG), remains fully committed to staging the Grand Prix, which is now scheduled for next weekend after being postponed by almost six months. The conflict involving the US-Israeli alliance and Iran has created instability across the Gulf region.

Riders first discussed the issue at a private meeting during the Australian Grand Prix. Fifteen riders reportedly voted against taking part, and their position was communicated to teams. Riders reportedly sought help from a lawyer, who wrote to teams outlining their opposition. A later riders-only meeting in Sepang appeared to shift the discussion towards what guarantees would be needed rather than an outright refusal to race. A second meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, while MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group deputy managing director Carlos Ezpeleta travelled to Doha to seek assurances.

The Race’s Simon Patterson reported that riders wanted assurances from MotoGP Group, including a plan for evacuating personnel. He questioned whether such a plan could guarantee a safe departure from Doha during a war. A further meeting is reportedly expected as the decision approaches. If riders were to block the event, unanimity would be required, and reports suggest they are not currently united on that course.

The stand-off between most of the grid and the championship promoter is now expected to be resolved within 48 hours, with an agreement potentially reached as early as Thursday. The issue is also expected to feature prominently at Thursday’s media day in Malaysia, where riders could publicly press the sport’s leadership.

Yet Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez offered a more definitive public assessment on Thursday, saying the Qatar race was confirmed and organisers were pressing ahead, despite riders still seeking assurances before travelling to Doha. “No one knows anything; I don’t think anything has changed, and it looks like the GP is confirmed,” he said. He added that riders were “much more united” and that, while perhaps not all 22 shared the same view, many did. Marquez said greater unity could benefit younger riders if they formed an association: “I’m 30, and I might not get the most out of it, but I’m happy for the young people coming to MotoGP, because if we create an association, they’ll benefit.”

Yamaha rider Alex Rins said his manufacturer had still been unsure about attending as of Wednesday. He could not say whether that had changed after arriving at Sepang. “At the moment, Yamaha is the only manufacturer that, until yesterday, still didn’t know if it would go to Qatar,” he said. Japan’s latest travel advice was to avoid non-essential trips to Qatar. Rins declined to detail the riders’ demands, but stressed their solidarity: “The only thing I can say is that we [the riders] are more united than ever.” He said he had met riders in Australia and spoken with their representatives, including Carmelo Ezpeleta, adding: “I can assure you that we are truly united.” Asked about the influence riders could exert, he said they were “trying to stay united.”

Not all riders have spoken publicly against racing. Marc Marquez declined to discuss the meetings, while Pedro Acosta said his contract required him to race if the event received the green light. Teams and manufacturers may also have influence with organisers; if more adopt Yamaha’s position, that could affect the decision.

An unnamed team boss told GPOne they did not believe either MotoGP or Formula 1 should race in Qatar. They warned that even a trouble-free weekend could set a dangerous precedent, while a sudden attack on a high-profile event attended by foreign nationals could change the situation instantly. “The risk of the latter should certainly be taken very seriously,” they said. “In my opinion, taking such a risk is unacceptable.”

The wider regional situation adds to the concern. The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States had warned Gulf states to prepare for an intense military campaign in the coming days. Any renewed escalation could bring further attacks and potentially close airspace, leaving the paddock stranded and complicating the season’s closing rounds. The US mid-term elections are scheduled for 3 November, three days before the Grand Prix is due to begin.

Other motorsport events in the region have already been affected. The FIA has moved the 2027 Dakar Rally away from Saudi Arabia; earlier this year, Formula 1 cancelled its Saudi Arabian round and held the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Formula 1 is still scheduled to race at Lusail three weeks after MotoGP.

MotoGP has not announced a replacement event if the Grand Prix is cancelled. That could affect the title fight between Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin, as well as the season’s closing rounds in Portugal and Valencia, which were moved to accommodate Qatar.

The debate has also prompted criticism within the paddock. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi accused riders of lacking “courage” in discussions with the sport’s leadership and said Marquez was “the only one” to have been honest. Although the grid’s public message after its meeting in Australia was that it trusted Liberty Media to make the right decision, reports suggest that view does not capture the concerns being expressed privately.